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6 PCs designed for a new graduate’s next adventure

These next-gen laptops powered by Snapdragon X Elite provide the battery life and power you need, for whatever’s ahead.

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Photo-Illustration by Binlin Cao
Photo-Illustration by Binlin Cao

High school graduates and parents alike understand the critical role a good laptop plays in academic success — and personal growth. The right computer will not only handle the demands of schoolwork, but also fuel a student’s creative passions and support their diverse interests outside the classroom. It’s more than just a machine; it’s a gateway to endless possibilities and a partner in achieving your goals.

Laptops powered by Snapdragon® X Elite processors are designed to meet the demands of a student’s next chapter. With multi-day battery life, unrivaled performance unplugged, and built-in AI capabilities, Snapdragon X Elite supercharges your favorite laptops, enabling students to power through school or savor their leisure time without missing a beat*. If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle it all, check out the following models — all running on the Snapdragon X Elite processor — to find the perfect fit.

$800

Notable feature: Lightweight and two-in-one flexibility. The Microsoft Surface Pro, available in 12-inch or 13-inch size, is a versatile two-in-one device delivering powerful performance and a flexible design that adapts to your changing needs. With the new detachable Surface Pro Flex Keyboard and adjustable kickstand, you can unlock new Copilot AI features when using it as a tablet or a laptop. Its optional 13-inch OLED screen delivers a cinematic experience on-the-go and a 10.5 Megapixel Ultra HD rear-facing autofocus camera ensures you have the lighting and crystal-clear sound you need for your next creative project or conference call. At under two pounds without the keyboard, it’s one of the lightest units out there. Pair that with up to 16 hours of battery life while streaming, and you can do it all with this portable powerhouse.

$1200

Notable feature: Stunning OLED display. For those who covet a vibrant, high-resolution display, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is the one. Its stunning 14.5-inch 3K screen is perfect for graphic designers, photo editors, and anyone who values crisp, detailed visuals. The Snapdragon processor provides the power needed to handle demanding tasks effortlessly, while the long battery life (23.5 hours³) ensures you can capitalize on a long streak of productivity or relax and stream content for hours on end. Press the keyboard’s Copilot key to bring up the suite of AI products available right at your fingertips.

$1000

Notable feature: Functional portability. At just 2.18 pounds, the Zenbook A14 is the world’s lightest Copilot+ PC, a machine built for smart travel and supreme functionality. And yet, it doesn’t skimp on durability: with ultra-light Ceraluminum TM across the lid, keyboard frame, and base, the laptop is built for protection against wear, scratches, shocks, and smudges. Students can take it anywhere without sacrificing performance — it works just as well unplugged as it does hooked to a charger — and enjoy a highly capable battery that can handle up to 32 hours of video playback on a single charge. Plus, with the latest Snapdragon X Series processors with a 45 TOPS NPU, it runs Copilot+ features seamlessly, making everyday tasks easier and enhancing the flow of productivity.

$1200

Notable feature: Extended battery life. The HP OmniBook X stands out for its remarkable battery life, at up to a staggering 26 hours², so it can last for an entire day — and then some. But it’s best known for its streamlined design and snappy performance. The AI-centric Snapdragon X Elite processor is a powerful tool for high-pressure work environments that require running resource-intensive applications or multitasking, as well as creative endeavors. Built-in AI analyzes usage patterns and helps manage resources efficiently, offers actionable insights, and can summarize documents to help you get the most out of your system.

$1500

Notable feature: Sleek and lightweight design. The Dell XPS 13 is the ideal companion for those who demand performance on the go. At just 2.6 pounds and 0.58 inches thin, this sleek and lightweight laptop is easy to carry with you, provides high performance even when unplugged and has long-lasting runtime. The 13.4-inch screen offers a sharp display for creation thanks to its tandem OLED display (the world’s first). And with 27 hours¹ of streaming battery life it can power the most epic movie marathons. Whether you’re editing videos, running AI on-device, or simply moving between classes or meetings, the XPS 13 delivers exceptional power without the bulk.

$1400

Notable feature:  Large display. For those who prefer a larger canvas, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16 offers an expansive 16-inch display that’s perfect for creatives who need an immersive experience. Whether you’re editing high-resolution photos, watching videos, or working on detailed design projects, the sizable screen provides ample space for all your tasks. The Snapdragon processor enables smooth performance, and the 1TB of storage offers plenty of extra space.

* CPU Performance is based on Geekbench v6.2 Single-Core on Windows 11 OS run in October 2024. Snapdragon X Elite (XIE-80-100) was tested using a Dell XPS 13 (9345) on “Balanced” Power Mode in Windows and “Optimized” in Dell Power Manager. Intel Core Ultra 7 256V was tested using a Dell XPS 13 (9350) on “Balanced” Power Mode in Windows and “Standard mode” in Windows and “Optimized” in Dell Power Manager. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 was tested using an ASUS VivoBook S14 (M5406WA) on “Balanced” Power Mode in Windows and “Standard mode” in MyASUS. Power and performance comparison reflects results based on measurements and hardware instrumentation of given devices. Battery life varies significantly based on devices, settings, usage, and other factors.

1. Netflix streaming battery benchmark: XPS 13 tested with Snapdragon X1 Elite X1E-80-100, FHD+ display, 16GB, 512GB SSD. Testing conducted by Dell labs in May 2024 with display brightness set to 150 nits (40%) and wireless enabled. Based on streaming Netflix 1080p content using the Netflix Windows 11 app. Actual battery life may be significantly less than the test results and varies depending on product configuration and use, software, usage, operating conditions, power management settings and other factors. Maximum battery life will decrease with time. The stated Watt Hour (WHr) is not an indication of battery life.

2. Based on HP’s internal analysis as of next gen PCs with a 40-60 TOPS NPU as of (current date). Battery life tested by HP using continuous FHD video playback, 1080p (1920x1080) resolution, 200 nits brightness, system audio level as image default, player audio level at 100%, played full-screen from local storage, headphone attached or through speaker (if no audio jack port), wireless on but not connected. Actual battery life will vary depending on configuration and maximum capacity will naturally decrease with time and usage.

3. The battery life claim is approximate and based on continuous 1080p video playback at 150 nits brightness on the latest update of Windows 11. Actual battery life will vary and depends on many factors such as product configuration and usage, software use, wireless functionality, power management settings, and screen brightness. The maximum capacity of the battery will decrease with time and use.

Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.